More positive guide has continued to come the way of the leadership of the Nigeria National League ahead of the incoming season. Emeka Odikpo whose voice resonated with football as commentator on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) shared some quality advise on taking the second-tier division to a desired level. The veteran broadcaster who has been on the board of sports committees and associations, volunteered some informed opinions to the board during his visit to the NNL Secretariat in Abuja. ” What I will be advising the board to do is: you are not living in isolation. One the various failings and dilly-dallying nature of the polity will be a factor.”
He offered. “If you allow the league to run smoothly, pay indeminities and pay the winner, take decisions about fair officiating and security, the media will have good stories to tell and that will increase the value of the league and further attracts more comparison with even the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Premier League especially with officiating.” “Be fair, be just and be firm, do not waiver. Organise your league. Do things that will attract fans to the league. When you are on the right path, be on that right path. Don’t give consideration to team X over team Y, when you do that, you will start having problems but if you stand your ground, others will get the clear message and follow suit.”
Mr. Odikpo during his visit met the George Aluo who is the chairman, Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Adesanya, Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Attah and Yakubu Sarma a board member. He urged the board to, “Partner with the media, give voice to the NNL because it’s the media that will give narrative on what people and the fans will see. Media presence is critical. For instance, look and the Premier League, it is where it is today because of the media. Even the Saudi Pro League is being reported by the English media because of it’s interest in players who moved from there to Saudi Arabia. Players might be doing well in different leagues but when they move to the PL, everybody knows about them because of the media.”
“I know there is a teething period associated with every new board and the period of lull is usually related to preparations. I see a quantum of energy from this board and I see the NNL as a brand that’s going to be very, very big. There are experienced stakeholders in football in this board and I know you have the capability of raising the ante. You have a vision and I believe that the vision is achievable.”
